Prospective Residents of The Grandview Enjoy Lifelong Learning

Many people find that retirement gives them time to do things they've always wanted to do.

For future residents of The Grandview, an Erickson Senior Living community coming to Bethesda, Md., in fall 2025, that includes intellectual and artistic pursuits.

With their interests in mind, The Grandview has already started offering the opportunity to participate in educational sessions on topics ranging from sports and civics to the arts.

Powerful partnership

To host these seminars, The Grandview is partnering with Oasis, an organization that provides lifelong learning programming.

Those on the Priority List--prospective residents who have placed a refundable deposit to gain right of first refusal on desired apartment homes, receive invitations to exclusive events, and get updates on construction progress--can join sessions either in person at The Grandview's Sales Center or online.

In fact, The Grandview's partnership with Oasis started because of a Priority List member.

"A Priority List member introduced me to Oasis, which has a convenient office in the nearby Montgomery Mall," explains Sales Director George Mishraky. "We met with them and brainstormed together on different topics for a series at The Grandview. We recognized that they have great speakers, and several prospective residents we spoke to raved about Oasis, so it was a natural fit," he recalls.

"In fact," Mishraky adds, "we have some members who are part of Oasis's team and teach classes themselves, whether as experts in a certain field or former professors."

Wide range of topics

Online brain teasers and word games--like The New York Times' Wordle and Spelling Bee and The Washington Post's more recent entries, Keyword and On the Record--have become quite popular. So, it's no coincidence that the first session, "Save Your Memory and Your Mind: 7 Steps to Better Brain Health," was well attended.

"Everyone loved that they could all relate to the topic, and they wanted to try all of the steps to help with their memory," Mishraky says.

Typically, 25 to 35 people attend in person, and another 20 to 40 join virtually via a live stream. For members who missed a seminar but are interested in the topic, they can watch the recording at their convenience through the Priority List's monthly newsletter.

Local sports

Another recent Oasis session was "Washington Sports: Down Memory Lane," moderated by an award-winning sportswriter.

"After he finished his presentation, he went around the room and asked people what they thought of the Washington Commanders and to share memories from attending local sporting events. It was very interactive and fun," Mishraky says.

"American Art History in Eight Paintings" by Judy Feldman, Ph.D., chair and president of the National Mall Coalition, was also well received. "We got great feedback," he says, "which helps us determine what kind of programming to offer in the future."

Looking ahead

Future sessions will include current events, how to get ready for the 2024 election, and Sherlock Holmes.

"Our Priority List members tend to be very intellectually curious, creative, engaged, and knowledgeable about current events," Mishraky says. "We look forward to getting their ongoing input on these seminars as well as other aspects of life at The Grandview."

Although Oasis sessions are currently exclusive to Priority List members, Mishraky expects that all residents will be able to attend once The Grandview opens.

To learn more about the benefits of moving to a maintenance-free community, request more information today.

By Gregory J. Alexander